2026 player rankings: A little furniture was moved

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's time to be honest about the 2026 Tennessee player rankings. The truth is that it's top heavy and there's quality depth outside of the top 10. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were slight changes inside the top 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are 5 quick takeaways:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Washington Jr. sits at the top</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1659513' first='Christopher' last='Washington Jr.'] was an unstoppable force during Providence Christian Academy's Division II-A state title run last season. He has moved up two spots to the top slot. At 6-foot-9, Washington is a guard in a big man's body. He runs the floor well, alters shots at the rim, is active on the glass, can make shots from the perimeter and can take defenders off the dribble. There's a lot to like about Washington. Also, he plays with a high motor. See, I wasn't lying.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Two faces at the guard spot</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560719' first='Trey' last='Pearson'] slid one spot to No. 2 while [player_tooltip player_id='1588175' first='Jonathan' last='Sanderson'] moved up a spot to No. 3. Once Pearson got back from his foot injury, he led Pope Prep to an elite eight appearance in the DII-AA Boys' State Tournament. Pearson was an All-Middle Region player in the 2024 season. After the first Nike EYBL session in Mesa, Arizona, Pearson is averaging 9.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. One of his standout performances came against Florida Rebels where he scored 14 points on 83.3 percent shooting from the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As for Sanderson, he's an offensive specialist. He has really good ball handles, great shot release, great feel for the game, and great competitive spirit. He doesn't take plays off. Sanderson plays with an edge. He's effective on and off the basketball. Sanderson, an All-Middle Region player, is shifty and crafty with the basketball in his hands. It's difficult to tame a lion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In short, Sanderson and Pearson are the faces at the point guard spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bolden is still scratching the surface</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2367403' first='Aiden' last='Bolden'] stays put at No. 7. His ranking isn't that important. The truth about the 6-foot-5 wing is that he hasn't peaked. Bolden is athletic with good lateral movement. He finishes well around the rim. Bolden is a respected ball handler. He can make shots from different areas on the court. Bolden can play multiple positions. I think his best days are ahead of him. Bolden is still getting better and better. This is scary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Overall look of the top 10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each prospect inside the top 10 have a strength. Washington and Bolden can play at least three different positions. Sanderson is a sniper. Pearson is a really good on-ball defender. [player_tooltip player_id='1959160' first='Trey' last='Thompson'] (No. 4) is very efficient in pick-and-roll action. Cam Swearegen (No. 6) plays with a great pace and takes quality shots. [player_tooltip player_id='1760996' first='Fred' last='Smith'] Jr. (No. 5) sees the floor so well to be a forward. Knoxville Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='1959161' first='Cade' last='Murphy'] (No. 8) is a really good knockdown shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='2345556' first='Daniel' last='Patton'] (No. 9) knows how to use his upper body strength to impose his will on defenders. Lastly, Cameron Blivens (No. 10) is the Ja Morant-type of player in this class. Once he's downhill, a spectacular finish is about to happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->